Marketing Manager in Wichita, KS

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Marketing Managers considering a move to Wichita, Kansas.

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The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Wichita’s economy is built on a foundation of aviation manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. This industrial mix creates a unique and steady demand for marketing professionals, particularly those who understand B2B, industrial branding, and community-focused outreach. It’s not a flashy, high-cost coastal market, but it offers a compelling value proposition for marketing managers.

The median salary for a Marketing Manager in Wichita is $152,654 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.39. This is slightly below the national average of $157,620/year, but when you factor in Wichita’s exceptionally low cost of living, that salary goes much further. The metro area supports approximately 792 jobs for this role, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%, indicating stable, long-term opportunities.

To understand where you might fit in, consider the typical experience-based breakdown. These are generalized figures based on local market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Typical Role	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	Marketing Coordinator, Specialist	$65,000 - $95,000
Mid-Career	Marketing Manager	$120,000 - $170,000
Senior-Level	Senior Marketing Manager, Digital Lead	$150,000 - $185,000+
Expert/Leadership	Director of Marketing, VP of Marketing	$175,000 - $220,000+

Now, let's compare Wichita to other major Kansas cities. While salaries may be slightly higher in the Kansas City metro, the cost of living differential is significant.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Power
Wichita	$152,654	89.5	High
Kansas City, MO	$158,000	95.8	Moderate
Topeka	$148,000	91.2	High
Lawrence	$151,000	93.5	Moderate

The data shows that while a marketing manager might earn a few thousand more in Kansas City, they will likely spend it on higher rent, transportation, and services. Wichita’s Cost of Living Index of 89.5 means everything from groceries to utilities is about 10.5% cheaper than the national average, giving you significant financial breathing room.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A median salary of $152,654 is a strong income, but how does it translate to daily life in Wichita? Here’s a monthly breakdown for a single marketing manager, assuming a tax rate of roughly 28% (federal, state, and FICA combined).

Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes): ~$9,100

Now, let's allocate that income. Wichita's rental market is famously affordable. The average 1BR rent is just $774/month.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$774	Well below the national average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; winters can be cold.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	A car is a necessity in Wichita.
Groceries & Dining	$700	Enjoy local spots like The Doo-Dah Diner or Old Town's restaurants.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer plan.
Savings & Investments	$2,500	Highly achievable on this salary.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$2,976	Movies, concerts at Wave, weekend trips.
Total	$8,100	Leaves a healthy surplus.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a surplus of over $2,900 per month in discretionary funds, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The average home price in the Wichita metro is around $220,000. On a $152,654 salary, a 20% down payment ($44,000) could be saved in under two years with disciplined budgeting. Monthly mortgage payments would likely be comparable to renting a larger space.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita's Major Employers

Wichita’s job market is anchored by a few key sectors. Marketing managers are not just at ad agencies; they are deeply embedded in the city’s core industries.

1. Cessna, Textron Aviation, & Spirit AeroSystems: The "Air Capital of the World" is home to these aviation giants. They hire marketing managers for B2B campaigns, brand management, trade show marketing, and corporate communications. Hiring is steady, focusing on candidates with industrial or technical marketing experience.

2. Via Christi Health & Wesley Healthcare: As the two largest hospital systems, they are massive employers. Marketing roles here focus on community outreach, physician relations, digital marketing for patient acquisition, and service line promotion. Stability is high, and benefits are typically excellent.

3. Koch Industries: Headquartered in Wichita, this global conglomerate has vast needs in corporate branding, internal communications, and talent acquisition marketing. It’s a competitive environment but offers unparalleled opportunities for career growth.

4. Evergy (formerly Westar Energy): The region's primary utility provider needs marketing managers for customer education programs, energy efficiency initiatives, and corporate responsibility campaigns. These roles often blend regulatory knowledge with public-facing communication.

5. University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita & Wichita State University: Higher education is a major employer. Roles here are focused on student recruitment, program marketing, alumni relations, and fundraising campaigns. These positions often value a mix of digital and traditional marketing skills.

6. Local Agencies & Retail: Don’t overlook smaller firms. Agencies like Sullivan Higdon & Sink or SCK Group serve major local and national clients. Retail giants like Dillons (Kroger) and Kohl's also have regional marketing teams based in the area.

Insider Tip: The hiring cycle here often aligns with the fiscal year (Q1 and Q2 are busiest). Networking through the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce or AIGA Wichita is far more effective here than in larger, anonymous cities. A personal connection can open doors.

Getting Licensed in KS

For marketing managers, there are no state-specific licenses required in Kansas. The profession is typically exempt from mandatory licensing. However, professional certifications can significantly enhance your credibility and earning potential.

• Key Certifications: The most valued are the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) from the American Marketing Association (AMA) or certifications in digital platforms like Google Ads, HubSpot, or Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
• Costs: The PCM exam costs approximately $400 for AMA members and $600 for non-members. Digital certifications are often free or low-cost (under $300).
• Timeline: There is no mandated timeline. You can study for and obtain certifications at any point in your career. For a mid-career manager, dedicating 3-6 months to prepare for a PCM could yield a salary premium.
• State Board: The Kansas State Board of Technical Professions oversees other fields, but for marketing, no board approval is needed. You can verify this on the Kansas government website.

Insider Tip: While not a license, joining the Kansas Chapter of the AMA is a wise investment. It provides local networking events and resources that are specifically tailored to the Midwest market.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Wichita is a car-centric city, but your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and social life. Here’s a breakdown tailored for a marketing professional.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Old Town	The historic and entertainment heart of the city. Urban, walkable to bars, restaurants, and the Intrust Bank Arena. Commute: 5-10 mins to downtown offices.	$1,100 - $1,400
Downtown	Business-centric, quieter in the evenings. Home to corporate offices and new apartment lofts. Commute: Walk or bike to work.	$950 - $1,300
East Side/College Hill	Established, charming area with beautiful older homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Commute: 10-15 mins to downtown.	$800 - $1,100
West Wichita (e.g., Rock Road)	Modern, suburban, and convenient. Big-box stores, newer apartment complexes, and easy highway access. Commute: 15-25 mins to downtown.	$750 - $950
Delano District	A revitalizing historic district with a mix of residential and creative businesses. Trendy and growing. Commute: 10-15 mins to downtown.	$850 - $1,050

Personal Insight: If you’re new to Wichita and want to dive into the social scene, Old Town is unbeatable for the first year. If you prefer a quieter, more residential feel with character, College Hill is a local favorite. For pure convenience and modern amenities, the East Side near 21st and Woodlawn is a solid bet.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The path from Marketing Manager to leadership is clear in Wichita, driven by specialization and industry knowledge.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by developing niche expertise. Industrial marketing (for aviation/ manufacturing) and healthcare marketing are the two most lucrative specialties in the region. Digital expertise in SEO, marketing automation (e.g., Marketo, Pardot), and data analytics are in high demand across all industries.
• Advancement Paths: The typical trajectory is Marketing Manager → Senior Marketing Manager → Director of Marketing. For those in corporate settings, a move into a Brand Manager role or a cross-functional position in Business Development is common. The final step is often VP of Marketing or Chief Marketing Officer, especially within the city’s large privately-held companies (like Koch or Textron).
• 10-Year Outlook: With 8% projected job growth, the market is stable but not explosive. Advancement will require proactive skill-building. The key is to become the go-to expert in your industry (e.g., the "aviation marketing guru"). Leadership opportunities will be less about jumping to new companies frequently and more about deepening your impact within a stable, local employer. Networking and a strong local reputation are your greatest assets for the long game.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Right for You?

Wichita offers a unique blend of Midwest values, industrial strength, and surprising cultural depth. It’s a city for those who prioritize financial stability, community, and a manageable pace of life.

Pros	Cons
Extremely High Purchasing Power: A $152,654 salary goes much further here than in most metros.	Limited Public Transportation: A reliable car is a necessity.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by major, non-cyclical industries like aviation and healthcare.	Smaller Network: The professional circle is tighter, which can be a pro or a con depending on your style.
Manageable Commutes & Traffic: You can live anywhere and reach work in under 30 minutes.	Less "Cutting-Edge" Vibe: While growing, it doesn’t have the rapid innovation scene of Austin or Denver.
Growing Arts & Food Scene: From the Keeper of the Plains to a vibrant food truck scene, the cultural amenities are underrated.	Weather Extremes: Hot, windy summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters.
Strong Sense of Community: It's easy to build deep roots and get involved in local causes.	Fewer "Big Name" Employers: Outside of the major local players, there are fewer Fortune 500 HQs.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita is an excellent choice for a marketing manager who is financially motivated, values work-life balance, and is interested in B2B or industrial marketing. If you're looking to build wealth, buy a home, and become a respected part of a community—without the stress of a high-cost, high-traffic city—Wichita is a hidden gem. It may not offer the coastal glamour, but it provides a solid foundation for a prosperous and fulfilling career.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a marketing job in Wichita?
While it's not mandatory, networking is incredibly effective here. It’s a "who you know" town. Joining the Chamber of Commerce, attending AMA events, or connecting with alumni from local universities (Wichita State, KU) will dramatically speed up your job search.

2. Is a car absolutely necessary?
Yes. Wichita is designed around the automobile. Public transportation (Wichita Transit) exists but is not efficient for commuting to most office parks. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available but can be sparse outside peak hours.

3. What's the dating/social scene like for a single professional?
The social scene is centered on Old Town, the Delano District, and local breweries (like Wichita Brewing Co. or Central Standard Brewing). It's a friendly, low-key environment. If you're used to big-city anonymity, the social pace can feel small at first, but many find it refreshing and genuine.

4. How does the cost of living really compare?
It's dramatic. Your rent in a prime one-bedroom apartment in Old Town ($1,200) might be half of what you'd pay for a comparable space in a major coastal city. Groceries, gas, and utilities are all noticeably cheaper. The biggest savings are in housing, which allows you to save aggressively for a home or retirement.

5. Are there opportunities for remote work with a Wichita-based company?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many of the larger employers like Textron and Spirit have adopted hybrid models. However, being local is still a major advantage for client-facing roles, internal collaboration, and building the relationships necessary for promotion.